Medaka Encyclopedia

Welcome to our Medaka Encyclopedia – your complete guide to Japanese rice fish (Oryzias latipes).

Panda Medaka – パンダメダカ

Panda Medaka (パンダメダカ) A unique medaka with panda-like eyes Overview The Panda Medaka (パンダメダカ) is a captivating variety of the Japanese rice fish (Oryzias latipes), best known for its distinct black eye markings that resemble the facial features of a panda. This trait, combined with its lighter body coloration, creates an adorable and contrasting appearance that has made it a favorite among medaka enthusiasts. Origin and Characteristics The defining characteristic of the Panda Medaka is its striking dark eyes, which are caused by a mutation in the mpv17 gene. This genetic mutation affects iridophore development—the reflective pigment cells responsible for producing shine in the eyes and body. As a result, iridophores are absent in the eyes and parts of the body such as the belly, producing the signature panda-like appearance. This discovery is detailed in a 2023 research article titled:“Discovery of the Novel Iridophore Mutant Medaka ‘panda (pa)’ and Identification of the Causal Gene mpv17.”In the study, scientists successfully isolated the mpv17 mutation and demonstrated its causal link to the panda phenotype. (Authorea, 2023) Color Variations Through selective breeding, breeders have developed several visually appealing subtypes of the Panda Medaka while retaining the signature dark eyes: These variations highlight the versatility and charm of the panda eye trait across different color morphs. Breeding and Care Panda Medaka are easy to keep and breed, like most medaka strains. However, to preserve the panda eye phenotype, selective breeding is essential. Pairing fish with strong panda characteristics ensures higher expression in future generations. Some offspring may display partial iridophore development or revert to standard eye pigmentation, so regular culling and selection are required to maintain quality. Conclusion The Panda Medaka offers more than just cuteness — it provides insight into genetic pigment expression and medaka biology. As a genetically distinct and visually unique medaka, it continues to gain popularity among both casual aquarists and medaka breeders. With a wide range of color morphs and its unmistakable eyes, the Panda Medaka remains a treasured ornamental strain within the world of Oryzias latipes. Sources / 出典:

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Panda Medaka – パンダメダカ

Panda Medaka (パンダメダカ) A unique medaka with panda-like eyes Overview The Panda Medaka (パンダメダカ) is a captivating variety of the Japanese rice fish (Oryzias latipes), best known for its distinct black eye markings that resemble the facial features of a panda. This trait, combined with its lighter body coloration, creates an adorable and contrasting appearance that has made it a favorite among medaka enthusiasts. Origin and Characteristics The defining characteristic of the Panda Medaka is its striking dark eyes, which are caused by a mutation in the mpv17 gene. This genetic mutation affects iridophore development—the reflective pigment cells responsible for producing shine in the eyes and body. As a result, iridophores are absent in the eyes and parts of the body such as the belly, producing the signature panda-like appearance. This discovery is detailed in a 2023 research article titled:“Discovery of the Novel Iridophore Mutant Medaka ‘panda (pa)’ and Identification of the Causal Gene mpv17.”In the study, scientists successfully isolated the mpv17 mutation and demonstrated its causal link to the panda phenotype. (Authorea, 2023) Color Variations Through selective breeding, breeders have developed several visually appealing subtypes of the Panda Medaka while retaining the signature dark eyes: These variations highlight the versatility and charm of the panda eye trait across different color morphs. Breeding and Care Panda Medaka are easy to keep and breed, like most medaka strains. However, to preserve the panda eye phenotype, selective breeding is essential. Pairing fish with strong panda characteristics ensures higher expression in future generations. Some offspring may display partial iridophore development or revert to standard eye pigmentation, so regular culling and selection are required to maintain quality. Conclusion The Panda Medaka offers more than just cuteness — it provides insight into genetic pigment expression and medaka biology. As a genetically distinct and visually unique medaka, it continues to gain popularity among both casual aquarists and medaka breeders. With a wide range of color morphs and its unmistakable eyes, the Panda Medaka remains a treasured ornamental strain within the world of Oryzias latipes. Sources / 出典:

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Panda Medaka – パンダメダカ

Panda Medaka (パンダメダカ) A unique medaka with panda-like eyes Overview The Panda Medaka (パンダメダカ) is a captivating variety of the Japanese rice fish (Oryzias latipes), best known for its distinct black eye markings that resemble the facial features of a panda. This trait, combined with its lighter body coloration, creates an adorable and contrasting appearance that has made it a favorite among medaka enthusiasts. Origin and Characteristics The defining characteristic of the Panda Medaka is its striking dark eyes, which are caused by a mutation in the mpv17 gene. This genetic mutation affects iridophore development—the reflective pigment cells responsible for producing shine in the eyes and body. As a result, iridophores are absent in the eyes and parts of the body such as the belly, producing the signature panda-like appearance. This discovery is detailed in a 2023 research article titled:“Discovery of the Novel Iridophore Mutant Medaka ‘panda (pa)’ and Identification of the Causal Gene mpv17.”In the study, scientists successfully isolated the mpv17 mutation and demonstrated its causal link to the panda phenotype. (Authorea, 2023) Color Variations Through selective breeding, breeders have developed several visually appealing subtypes of the Panda Medaka while retaining the signature dark eyes: These variations highlight the versatility and charm of the panda eye trait across different color morphs. Breeding and Care Panda Medaka are easy to keep and breed, like most medaka strains. However, to preserve the panda eye phenotype, selective breeding is essential. Pairing fish with strong panda characteristics ensures higher expression in future generations. Some offspring may display partial iridophore development or revert to standard eye pigmentation, so regular culling and selection are required to maintain quality. Conclusion The Panda Medaka offers more than just cuteness — it provides insight into genetic pigment expression and medaka biology. As a genetically distinct and visually unique medaka, it continues to gain popularity among both casual aquarists and medaka breeders. With a wide range of color morphs and its unmistakable eyes, the Panda Medaka remains a treasured ornamental strain within the world of Oryzias latipes. Sources / 出典:

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Raikō Kagami Scale Medaka

Raikō Kagami Uroko Medaka (来光カガミ鱗メダカ) – Sacred Light Meets Mirror-Like Elegance Raikō Kagami Uroko Medaka (来光カガミ鱗メダカ) is a stunning ornamental

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Oranje Medaka

Oranje Medaka – オランジェメダカ: A Harmonious Blend of Chocolate and Sunset Tones Oranje Medaka (オランジェメダカ) is a uniquely charming medaka

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Wazumi Tricolor Medaka

Wazumi Tricolor Medaka (和墨三色メダカ) – A Living Canvas of Ink, White, and Red Wazumi Tricolor Medaka (和墨三色メダカ) is a stunning

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Wazumi Medaka

Wazumi Medaka (和墨メダカ) – Traditional Contrast with Modern Breeding Wazumi Medaka (和墨メダカ) is a unique ornamental strain created to resemble

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Halcyon Medaka

Halcyon Medaka (ハルシオンメダカ) – A Gentle Light in Still Waters Halcyon Medaka (ハルシオンメダカ) is a calm, elegant ornamental strain celebrated

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Pure White Transparent Scale Medaka

Pure White Transparent-Scale Medaka (ピュアホワイト透明鱗メダカ) – Where Clarity Meets Purity Pure White Transparent-Scale Medaka (ピュアホワイト透明鱗メダカ) is a beautifully simple yet

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